First and Finest

Our Best-Dressed Challenge has gotten us thinking: sure, all of us dress up once in a while, or even most of the time. But what if your every outfit was photographed, judged, and could even make a difference in world politics? What on earth would you wear? These top-ten women, including Sheikha Mozah, Michelle Obama, Jetsun Pema, and Samantha Cameron, are all married to heads of state. And their style is head and shoulders above the rest. Whom did we miss in our top-ten ranking of first ladies of fashion? Tell us in the comments—and in the meantime, enter yourself into our Best-Dressed Challenge to make your own appearance on the list.

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Queen Rania

Jordan
A former tech professional, working for Apple before her coronation, Queen Rania of Jordan is known for her well-tailored, modern approach to covered-up attire—as well as her gorgeous mane, kept refreshing out of overwrought updos.

Empress Michiko

Japan
Formally the wife and consort of the emperor of Japan, Michiko is known for her stylistic élan (modular hats, clean-lined suits) to match her monarchical modernity. She was the first commoner to become a crown princess of Japan, when she married into the family in 1959.

Sheikha Mozah

Qatar
Royal opulence meets Hitchcock heroine: the personal style of Qatar’s Sheikha Mozah makes her a veteran of the International Best-Dressed List. We’re partial to her perfected pairing of a turban with vintage-Persol-esque shades.

Jetsun Pema

Bhutan
When Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the king of Bhutan, married commoner Jetsun Pema, he forsook a national tradition of polygamy and swore she would be his only bride. The pair are also committed style leaders: he is a veteran of the International Best-Dressed List, and she is known for her chic, restrained casualwear and her modern takes on traditional colors and gowns.

Michelle Obama

The United States of America
What can one say about the style of Michelle Obama, who graces the cover of this month’s Vogue, that hasn’t already been said? From the sleeveless gowns that accentuate her world-famous arms to the Thom Browne tie-silk coat she wore to her husband’s second inauguration, it seems as though America’s First Lady can’t take a wrong step. Her focus on U.S. designers, and combining items at different price points, has ensured that her fellow citizens remain fans.

Angelica Rivéra

Mexico
As a telenovela star for many years, Rivéra was no stranger to attention even before she moved into Los Pinos, Mexico’s answer to the White House. As such, she was more than ready to step into the public eye on the arm of President Enrique Peña Nieto when he was elected in 2012 (the pair married in 2010). In her political years, she’s tamed her hair’s once-trademark curls and traded out her revealing wardrobe in favor of chic, restrained suits and sheath dresses. Her modest wedding gown, with a small, high-collared coat and full train, was positively regal.

‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso

Lesotho
‘Masenate’s 2000 marriage to King Letsie III of Lesotho marked the first time a ruler of the African nation wed a commoner. Known for her elegant headwear and enthusiasm for vibrant, varied prints, she is equally as comfortable in traditional dress at a local event as she is in a refined, simple suit meeting a head of state.

Dorritt Moussaieff

Iceland
The First Lady of Iceland has style in her blood, as she was born into a long line of jewelry designers. (Her ancestors are said to have woven garments for Genghis Khan.) Whether in an elaborate ball gown among Scandinavian royals or riding a horse onto The Martha Stewart Show wearing a fisherman’s sweater, Moussaieff is at home in any fashion.

Valérie Trierweiler

France
The French journalist and partner of French president François Hollande is, above all, professional, often wearing blazers, long coats, or soft cardigans over basic black. For a softer daytime look, she wears a white-silk wrap blouse with suede pumps and an oversize clutch.